OBD2 apps/software and dongle?

[JimN]

I'm looking for a good solution for reading data, reading/clearing codes and generally knowing what;s happening with my engine/vehicles. I bought a cheap ELM-327 mini dongle, but it's a PITA to set up- I would rather have something that connects to a smart phone or computer easily but I don't want to spend a lot because I'm not using it for a business.

I have an iPhone6 (latest update) and a Windows 7 laptop. If needed, I can buy a used Android.

What are youse using?

[david_ski]

I'm looking for a good solution for reading data, reading/clearing codes and generally knowing what;s happening with my engine/vehicles. I bought a cheap ELM-327 mini dongle, but it's a PITA to set up- I would rather have something that connects to a smart phone or computer easily but I don't want to spend a lot because I'm not using it for a business.

I have an iPhone6 (latest update) and a Windows 7 laptop. If needed, I can buy a used Android.

What are youse using?

http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/

I have their blue wireless version for precisely that need. I don’t use it permantly in any of my vehicles. I have used it to clear codes and to understsnd smog sensors. It works great with the iPhone. I have several of their wired devices. One is installed in my ‘04 Tacoma and another in a ‘15 Tacoma.

Last check engine light codes were for a O2 sensor on exhaust on a Chev Tahoe. $20 in parts and problem solved and codes cleared. When I sold Tahoe I had smog sensors not ready to test after battery change. I used Blue Ultraguage to monitor until ready to smog test.

[bcd]

I bought this and paid $5 (I think) for the Torque app for my phone. There were a lot of complaints on Amazon about not being able to get Bluetooth to connect, but I haven't had any problems. I'm not sure how in depth you're looking for, and I haven't spent a lot of time playing with mine. I mainly bought it for code reading/clearing. I know it does acceleration, power, and displays a lot of real time data.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AAOOQJC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[bcd]

If you're looking for some specific items, I can hook it up and check for you.

[trunderw]

Depending on your tech interest or level...a Raspberry pi with the can bus hat let's you read and write to the can bus (depending on how your vehicle is setup). I have a Ford and a GM, the GM being a bit easier.
Link (there are other options): http://copperhilltech.com/pican2-duo...pberry-pi-2-3/
Example of what you can do: when the vehicle is put into reverse, you can tilt your mirrors down. When you hold down your window button, it can turn a non auto up/down window into an auto up/down window. Of course you can also see throttle position and other engine data.

[Cumminscj]

I just went with forscan. Dongle comes Monday. Will let you know if that does any better. Next step for me is probably autoenguinity.

[JimN]

The problems I had were mainly connectivity and I tried using two laptops and my iPhone. I don't really care if it's wireless, but it's convenient if I happen to need to check something when I'm not at home or don't have a laptop. I wouldn't have a problem if it connected via USB cable, either. That way, some schmuck can't drive along, connect to it and screw something up. I thought one of the car parts stores would have a diagnostic tool that shows what I need, but they just have a code scanner and I want to see data.

[bturner2]

Jim,
I've been using one from Blue Driver for about 2 years now and it works great.

https://www.bluedriver.com/

It's a bit more expensive but it's made in North America, it's not cheap China crap and they actually have a support team and provide updates.

[mtajpa]

Bit of an old post but I am looking for recommendation for a OBD2 scanner. Is the Blue Driver still working for you BT? Anyone have a good luck with any others? Need something to detect misfires read and clear codes display data.

[JimN]

Bit of an old post but I am looking for recommendation for a OBD2 scanner. Is the Blue Driver still working for you BT? Anyone have a good luck with any others? Need something to detect misfires read and clear codes display data.

I doubt any of these will detect misfires- that's more in engines with O2 sensors and catalytic converters, operating as closed loop.

[mtajpa]

I doubt any of these will detect misfires- that's more in engines with O2 sensors and catalytic converters, operating as closed loop.

Looking for automotive scanner. Mainly Ford and Toyota use. Should have been more specific.

[jpwhit]

Looking for automotive scanner. Mainly Ford and Toyota use. Should have been more specific.

Misfire detection has been required in Automobile ECMs for emission control reasons for quite a while now. The detection is performed by the ECM, not the scanner and is reported by standard ECM codes. So pretty much any automotive scanner will cover what you're looking for.

I've used an OBDLink MX+ OBD2 for a few years now and have been pretty pleased with it. It has a fair amount of support for automaker proprietary extensions to OBD. And they seem to update the software pretty often to add new vehicle support. But I haven't compared to other readers, so I can't really say how it compares to other offerings.

[JimN]

Misfire detection has been required in Automobile ECMs for emission control reasons for quite a while now. The detection is performed by the ECM, not the scanner and is reported by standard ECM codes. So pretty much any automotive scanner will cover what you're looking for.

I've used an OBDLink MX+ OBD2 for a few years now and have been pretty pleased with it. It has a fair amount of support for automaker proprietary extensions to OBD. And they seem to update the software pretty often to add new vehicle support. But I haven't compared to other readers, so I can't really say how it compares to other offerings.

True, but the later posts looking for Toyota/Ford didn't include anything about that when I posted, so....

FWIW, when I started this thread, I hadn't bought a non-app based scanner and in the one I bought, misfired aren't detected because the '05 Astro software doesn't support it.

[ShuManChu]

True, but the later posts looking for Toyota/Ford didn't include anything about that when I posted, so....

FWIW, when I started this thread, I hadn't bought a non-app based scanner and in the one I bought, misfired aren't detected because the '05 Astro software doesn't support it.

FYI, Fancy scanners will have a feature called power balance test where you can monitor the rpm and command a single cylinder injector off, allowing you to pinpoint which cylinder isnt contributing to crank velocity. It is useful for identifying a dead miss, intermittent miss isn't so straightforward.

ATS Automotive has probably the most intelligent scan tool and it does some really cool stuff for misfire detection, but ultimately the best way to detect it is with a tail pipe pressure transducer connected to a high speed oscilloscope. In a car, a misfire will cause air to briefly flow into the exhaust and that pressure signal can be referenced to a known timing datum like cylinder 1 spark.

For a boat without O2 sensors, you can use the same technique, or even just the crankshaft position sensor connected to oscilloscope along with cylinder 1 spark and you can see which cylinder isnt contributing to crank velocity, when the misfire occurrs. Hard to instrument and monitor if the miss is intermittent or dependent on engine load though.

Of course there are many old school methods of identifying which cylinder is misfiring, but thats really not the point of this thread I guess.

Standalone Automotive scanners that are really great:
Autel maxisys
ATS escan elite
Auto enginuity
Thinktool pro

App based scanners:
Torque pro
Obd auto doctor
Bluedriver

[mtajpa]

Just an update of my choice I went with the Forscan app on a pc using cable connection. The vehicle I had issues with was Ford Expedition 5.4 3v. Issue was throwing codes for misfire on cold startup for cylinder 1 and cylinder 8. Cold start seemed a bit rough for about 10 seconds or so and then cleared up. Drove fine or so it seemed. Once codes were cleared it would take about 5 cold starts to get it to throw the same code. Once started you could drive it as long as you wanted without throwing a code. Swapped plugs and injectors on both number 1-2 and 7-8 cylinders but kept getting same cold start miss fires. So electrical and fuel issues ruled out. Long story short turned out to be the number 8 cylinder intake valve rocker arm was found to have been thrown out and laying inside the head. Do to the 2 intake valve design the other good intake valve was doing all the work.

Funny part about this is I thought I would find same issue on number 1 cylinder but it was fine. Replaced the rocker arm (actually called roller follower) all the cold start misfire code never came back. So the Exp is still running strong with 220000 miles. Cost of repair was $10 spent at Ford parts. However after doing a bit of research on this 5.4 3v engine the engine should have All roller followers replaced as well as timing chain. I will save this project for a later date. There is a guy on YouTube that has a lot of good videos on Fords and their issues.

The Forscan app was free for 2 months with the adapter. It appears to be a powerful tool in the right hands but a fair amount time will be required to become efficient using it.

Thanks for all the advice.